**Siesta Celebration is January 20-21, 2012**
Hey, Darling Things!
I’m writing you from about 28,000 feet in the air, glancing out at a sunset heavy with steely thunderheads and striped in army blues. I am on my way home the long way from Columbus, Ohio. After our Living Proof Live ended and we ate lunch at the arena, we all headed to our various vans so we could make our ways to the airport. I hopped in the front seat with Rich because Ron and his darling wife Nancy had already headed home. Several of our other buddies were in the back chattering away when Rich overheard me say to my man on the phone, “Honey, I won’t be late! My fight is at 3:47 and I’ll pick back up an hour so I’ll have a nice long evening with you.” Keith was feeling poorly with a chest cold and laryngitis and I really wanted to get back to him.
(Rich) “Beth, you have a layover.”
“A what?”(Like I don’t know what that word means after nearly 30 years in thin air.)
“A layover in Denver on your way home. I think you get home kind of late.”
“But I had a nonstop flight to Columbus!”
“Well, you don’t have a nonstop flight home.”
And he was right. I hadn’t even looked at my arrival time in Houston. So, this afternoon I flew from Columbus all the way to Denver and now I’m on my Denver flight making my way to Houston. This weekend I’ve lost an hour, picked up two, then given one up again. Try to do that math.
But to say it was worth it is an understatement. We had 7000+ women in Columbus, Ohio who were in the mood to lift up some high volume praise to the God who is worthy. We knew we were going to love them within 15 seconds flat. And they were my favorite kind of group in Bible study, too, because they got involved the way a small class would. Super interactive. God so graced us in Ohio and we will remember the time we had with those believers for a long time. I knew God was up to something good when I looked at the stat sheet that K-Mac prepared for me and noticed that the six biggest groups attending the events were six different denominations. There are no words to express to you what that means to us. To God’s credit alone, that’s becoming more the rule than the exception in this season.
I’ve had a very interesting flying day. If you’re on Twitter, I tweeted that the people watching had been extraordinary. You know, I struggle a tad with eavesdropping as it is but when everyone is sharing very big feelings at a very high volume, what is a woman to do? But stare? And so, I nearly cried while a young 40 something Dad with shoulder length hair hugged his varsity baseball-type looking son goodbye as he took off for college for the first time. Both of them had tears streaming down their cheeks. It was a most moving scene and one that I had to restrain myself from joining. Of course, I don’t know if the young man was going away to college or not. I made that part up because it was the best possible scenario to fit the high EQ. The part about the long-haired dad and the varsity baseball-type son was true, however. And they were both crying. If I wouldn’t have to stop and explain when I’m making something up, my posts would go smoother. But somehow I feel an obligation toward confession.
What is indeed an absolute fact is that there was a little girl about six years old that nearly made people punch the windows out of the plane and parachute to Beulah Land while her mother chatted with a friend. Mind you, a six year-old little girl would have to work hard to push me over the edge. I love that age in the largest way. But I was nearly overwrought with the teeming desire to give that darling child a spank offering. But, of course, I wouldn’t have. Goodness knows, I have a deep commitment to all things politically correct.
Well, guess what day it is? August 15th and you know what that means! Spit out your next Scriptures, young ladies, and do it with some fervor. His words are Spirit and life to us. Let’s give them some respect and expect them to do the kinds of things He promised they would. Here’s mine:
Beth, Houston. “Therefore, get your minds ready for action by being fully sober, and set your hope completely on the grace that will be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed.” 1 Peter 1:13 The NET Bible
A loved one and I are memorizing this together as he seeks to take the next step in a victorious life that demands sobriety. For some of us, it’s all or nothing. Jesus is the only reason some of us are not passed out in an alley with a newspaper over us. If you have struggled to stay sober and the enemy is doing everything he can to suck the life out of you and steal everybody you love, one by one, don’t stay in the shadows. Get out in the light. Own up and let some people cheer you onto sobriety and victory. YOUR GOD IS ABLE TO DELIVER YOU. Do what you have to do so that you can do what you want to do. You have a calling to fulfill.
I never want to get where we’re playing church around here. The salvation of Jesus Christ is real and it has huge practical ramifications in everyday life here on this fallen planet. Let’s not just talk it. Let’s do it.
Therefore, get your minds ready for action by being fully sober.
Cary, Celina, TX
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. Isaiah 40:28 NIV
“Above all, LOVE each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” I Peter 4:8 (NIV)
Stacie Livonia, MI From Week 6, Breaking Free!
Isaiah 61:3
New International Version (NIV)
and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor.
Lori, McCook, NE
Psalm 91:14
“Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.”
Romans 6:4
We are buried therefore with Him by the baptism into death, so that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious (power) of the Father, so we too might (habitually) live and behave in newness of life.
Romans 6:4 (Amplified version)
Diane, Cambridge-Narrows, NB, Canada
1 John 3:16 NIV
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.
christina, Plano.
“Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,
for as many years as we have seen trouble.
May your deeds be shown to your servants,
your splendor to their children.”
Psalm 90:15-16, NIV1984
O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his steadfast love endures for ever!
Psalm 118:1 rsvp
Corinne in Chehalis, Washington
“Hold fast the sound words which thou hast heard, in FAITH and love which is in Christ Jesus.”
II Timothy 1:13 KJ
Father God, have mercy on me, as my world is shaking I CHOOSE to cling, by FAITH, to Your precious promises!
Karen, Vancleave, MS
Romans 12:18
“Do everything possible on your part to live in peace with everybody.” (GNTD)
“But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.”
I Peter 3:15
ESV
Carol Florence, MA.
You are my hiding place;
you will protect me from trouble and
surround me with songs of deliverance.
Psalm 32: 7 NIV
Leanne
Mississippi
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Ephesians 4:29 NIV
Janet, Richland, MS
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
Heather, Woodstock, GA
“This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quiteness and trust is your strength.” Isaiah 30:15 (NIV)
Crystal- Mullica Hill, NJ- Romans 8:5: For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. ESV
Happy Monday, Siestas!
BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS, DO NOT BE AFRAID OR TERRIFIED BECAUSE OF THEM FOR THE LORD YOUR GOD GOES WITH YOU; HE WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU OR FORSAKE YOU. DEUT 31;6 NIV
Kristi, Abilene, TX:
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9 NIV
Kristen, Largo, FL “You discern my going out and my lying down, you are familiar with all my ways.” NIV Psalm 139:3
Kayla
Cleveland
May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
Psalm 19:14
April Lopez, BonneyLake,Wa
Jeremiah 29:13 NIV
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Rosie, Tacoma
And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving
one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32 NKJV
Adrienne
Jasper, TN
“The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time.” Psalm 145:15 NIV
Freida, Chatham, LA “Finally brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things.” Philippians 4:8 NKJV
Cindy Sylvia, Seacy AR
So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. Behold how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire.
James 3:5 New American Standard
James 3:17-18 (NIV)
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
Jane, Houston, TX
Jesus said, “I am going there to prepare a place for you.”
John 14:2 (NIV)
Karen
Tallahassee, FL
6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Hebrews 11:6 NIV
Wendy Glendora, CA
Proverbs 19:11 NIV
A mans wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.
Susanne, El Paso, TX
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7 NIV 1984
Marsha – Lees Summit
For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures
1 Cor 15:3-4 NKJ
Karen
Hope, AR
For He shall give His angels charge over you to keep you in all your ways.
Psalm 91:11 NKJV
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the ALMIGHTY. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.
Psalm 91:1-2 NKJV
His joy is in those who reverence Him, those who expect Him to be loving and kind.
Psalm 147:11 The Living Bible
Savanna, Atlanta, GA
Diana, East Peoria, IL
Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and make me willing to obey you.
Psalm 51:12 NLT
Kristi Simmons, Rogersville, TN
Psalm 30:5 NIV
For his anger lasts only a moment,
but his favor lasts a lifetime;
weeping may remain for a night,
but rejoicing comes in the morning.
Mary, Remlap, AL
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. Ps 20:7 (NIV)
Peggy, Tucson, “Keep me as the apple of your eye, hide me in the shadow of our wings.” NIV
Cindy Sammetinger, Wapakoneta, Ohio (I have fallen off the wagon…but I AM BACK.)
“But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.” 1Peter 1:15-16 (NIV)
Amy Hopper Ardmore, Oklahoma
“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
Ephesians 4:1-3 ESV
Tammy
Lusby, MD
Deuteronomy 28:3 (NIV)
You will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country.
Lisa, Rainbow City, Alabama. “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effectual.” James 5:16 NIV
Sarah, Montrose, CO:
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1-2
Diana, North Attleboro, MA
Christ has liberated us into freedom. Therefore stand firm and don’t submit again to a yoke of slavery.
Galatians 5:1 HCSB
Mark 11:24-25 (NASB)
24 Therefore, I say to you, “all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you.
25 Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions.”
Yolanda
Ulysses, KS
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7 NIV
Beverly, Pearland, TX
Psalm 103:2-5 TNIV
Praise the LORD, my soul and forget not all His benefits – who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
M’Lissa, Keller TX: Isaiah 26:3-4 (ESV)
3 You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
4 Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock.
Columbus, Ohio
Philippians 2:2-3
Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. KJV
Matthew 6:1 (HCSB)
Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of people, to be seen by them. Otherwise, you will have not reward from your Father in heaven.
Bridget in Phoenix:
Ephesians 5:8-10 ESV
8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), 10 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.